The contributions of the more than 90 Fautua Pasefika throughout New Zealand's prisons are being celebrated by Corrections this week, along with the efforts of other volunteers who work with prisoners.
As part of National Volunteer Awareness week, the Department is hosting a series of events to thank the 3,000 volunteers up and down the country who give up their spare time to visit, support and mentor prisoners.
National Volunteer co-ordinator Russell Underwood says the number of people giving up their spare time to make a difference to the rehabilitation of a prisoner is increasing.
"The contribution volunteers such as Fautua Pasefika make to Corrections is important, and their work is much appreciated, by staff, prisoners and their aiga alike," he says.
Although they make up only a small number of the total prisoner population - (11 per cent on the 8th of June) Pacific people are over-represented in violent and sexual offending statistics, and Pacific Island born offenders are likely to experience language difficulties and be embarrassed or ashamed to admit difficulties in this area. This can lead to frustration and stress in an already challenging environment, and Fautua Pasefika are invaluable in assisting Pacific prisoners through these issues.
Support provided to prisoners by Fautua Pasefika aims to reconnect offenders with their culture. This can include general visiting and support for Pacific prisoners when referred by community agencies or prisoner's families; spiritual guidance for prisoners; support for prisoners and their families during court appearances and making contact with family of offenders both in New Zealand and the Islands to assist in reintegrating the offender back into the community on their release.
Fautua Pasefika also provide advice to the Department where necessary on the provision of services to Pacific peoples - including consultation and feedback on relative policies and strategies.
"The Fautua Pasefika role allows respected Pacific community leaders in the community to assist with prisoners needs and be positive role models to them," says Russell.
"This provides prisoners with support that connects with them in a cultural sense and helps prisoners on their paths to an offence free lifestyle on release".
Russell says the support that all volunteers provide prisoners is vital to their rehabilitation.
"Volunteers contribute a great deal to prisoners. Organisations like Prison Fellowship New Zealand and Toastmasters provide prisoners with communication skills while building their confidence at the same time. Others like Alcoholics Anonymous who have been involved with the Department for 20 years, provide ongoing support and education to prisoners to help them combat their addiction.
"I would encourage anyone who is thinking of volunteering to get in touch and see the difference volunteering in prison can make to someone's life."
Anyone wishing to volunteer in prison should email Corrections at volunteering@corrections.govt.nz